There's a blizzard in New Jersey this morning.  The shopping centers were packed last night with people scrambling to buy milk, bread, eggs - everything they could possibly need in case they were stuck in their homes for a while.  But this morning it's quiet.  There is not a car on the road.

Normally, most people are pulled in so many directions with an overwhelming amount of responsibilities.  But today you can't get errands done, you can't go to work, you can't really do anything.  This gives us a rare chance to do the things that we can't do very often.  Relax, take a nap, talk to family, breathe, play a game, bake cookies, have tea, read.  Take advantage of the blizzard - be in the moment and appreciate the moment.

If you are in another part of the country where there isn't a blizzard, take a blizzard day!  We all need those days where we get nothing accomplished because it is what helps us to be effective during the rest of the days.  Don't feel guilty or pressure to get something done.  Recognize that you deserve it, we all do.  If you can't take the whole day, a part of the day will do.  Don't wait for a blizzard, they don't come very often.  Take a blizzard day today!

New Year's Resolutions are common - "I'm going to lose 10 pounds", "I'm going to eat all organic, gluten-free foods", "I'm going to be nicer to people".  Many times resolutions are somewhat unrealistic.  And most likely the reason people create resolutions is that they have the underlying thought - "I'm not good enough."  This thought of not being good enough is most likely a result of low self-esteem.  In order to feel good about ourselves, we need to actively be aware of our internal messages.  Say to yourself, "I like the way I am."

Instead of creating resolutions in the new year, create realistic, attainable goals.  You can have goals every day, every month or even every quarter.  If you don't meet some of your goals, don't get discouraged.  They can be re-evaluated every so often to see if they are realistic.

Here's a good example of attainable goals:

Goals for January:
1. Find a charity or organization that I would like to become involved in.
2. Eat at least one vegetable per day.
3. Spend one day with a good friend doing something fun.
4. Network with one group for my business.

Be sure to include taking care of yourself in your goals.  It's really important when you are planning your time to schedule in something that will make you feel cared for.  Most people forget to include that in their schedule and if it's not a priority, it may not get done.

What can you do so that you feel taken care of?